Bruce of Los Angeles. American Photography of the Male Nude 1940-1970: Volume I
Berlin: Janssen Publishers CC, 1995. 1st Edition. Quarto, publisher's stiff photo-illustrated paper wraps.
First volume of queer photographer, journalist, and publisher Volker Janssen’s gay physique photography series. In 1979, Janssen founded his Berlin-based gallery and publishing company, Janssen Verlag. Along with exhibiting new work by local and international artists, Janssen sold erotic prints, artwork, and reprints of classic gay fiction, before turning to photobooks. In the mid-90s, Janssen moved to South Africa (while still keeping his Berlin gallery open) to focus solely on publishing, beginning with this beefcake series. (After WWII and throughout the 60s, muscle magazines, ostensibly dedicated to physical fitness and bodybuilding, were utilized to disseminate erotic imagery created by and for gay men while circumventing obscenity laws.) This issue highlights the work of Bruce of Los Angeles, famous for his campy, irreverent beefcake style. Profusely illustrated with color and black-and-white plates. Text in German and English. Light edgewear. Near fine. Item #7213
$200.00